366 ROSA RESOURCES IN CHINA

From 1986 through 1993 wild rose species were investigated throughout China to catalog and to characterize the rose germplasm resources in mainland China. Many of the 94 rose species and 144 rose varieties in China have not been extensively utilized. The basic features of Chinese rose species are as follows. (1) There are many valuable and rare Rosa species in China. These species are sources of many unique and outstanding characters such as intense fragrance, white and yellow flower color, recurrent flowering and resistance to stress. More than 80% of the rose species in China are native to only China. (2) Although most Rosa species are still in the wild state, a few species cultivated from very early time have many forms available. (3) The number of rose species gradually increases from Northeast to Southwest China. The distribution centers of Rosa species in China are Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces. Chinese rose species can be introduced and used directly in gardens, or in breeding programs to develop new roses.